San Diego Supt. Explains Common Core

The new assessments are designed to follow a set of national curriculum standards known as Common Core.

Because the new test still is under development, schools will be required to give it in grades 3-8 and 11 in either math of language this spring, but not both, and no individual student scores, school performance reports or statewide results would be generated from the rollout.

"...Letting an entire school year pass for millions of students without sharing information on their schools’ performance with them and their families is the wrong way to go," Duncan said in a written statement.

However, in a visit to San Diego in September, Duncan backed off the threat somewhat by saying the state and the federal government needed to work together.